Antonov AN-26 crash, Feb 6, 1986, Saransk-Intl
Antonov AN-26 accident on February 6, 1986 near Saransk-Intl, Republic of Mordovia, Russia with no fatalities. Cause: The captain mistook localizer and...
- Date: February 6, 1986
- Aircraft: Antonov AN-26
- Location: Saransk-Intl, Republic of Mordovia, Russia
- Fatalities: 0
- Phase of flight: Takeoff and climb
- Cause: The captain mistook localizer and marker beacon lights for the anti-collision lights of an approaching aircraft and turned left in the climb. The cargo was also overweight, at 3,500 kg against 2,100 kg planned, which made the mass and balance incorrect.
An Antonov An-26B cargo flight operated by Aeroflot crashed about two kilometres past the runway end shortly after departing Saransk on the night of 6 February 1986. All six crew survived and the aircraft was destroyed. The investigation found the captain mistook ground lights for an approaching aircraft and turned left in the climb to avoid a collision that was not occurring.